No matter what sport you are playing, almost every athlete struggles with tightness, cramping or some form of pain in the lower parts of their body while working out. From doing yoga exercises and other kinds of training to changing the diet, athletes try out many methods in order to alleviate the symptoms they are feeling in their legs. However, they often forget to turn to the simplest solution which is wearing compression socks that can in fact help them reach new athletic heights.

At first, compression socks were used for medical purposes like reducing swelling in feet and preventing blood clots. However, as their popularity grew over time, athletes started relying on the support of compression garments to help them improve their performance and even their recovery. So, whether you are preparing for your first marathon or want to boost your training sessions, take a look at the four ways compression socks can improve your performance as well as the ways to choose the right fit for you.

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Improving your endurance by applying pressure

Endurance is usually defined as the athlete’s ability to endure prolonged exercises for longer periods of time. In general, endurance works by supplying energy to the muscles through the circulatory and respiratory systems to support sustained physical activity. When athletes work out, they strive to push their capacity harder in order to increase their endurance. However, there are several factors such as fatigue and exhaustion that may limit their efforts in achieving greater stamina. 

So, by wearing compression socks for running your endurance will be much greater because these socks will provide faster delivery of oxygen to your muscles. In addition, by wearing them you will be applying greater pressure on the ankles which is very important for your overall performance. The compression in the socks allows the blood to circulate through smaller circulatory veins back to the heart which will certainly reduce the chances of pooling of the blood in your feet.  

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Compression socks for an improved venous return

Venous return refers to the movement of blood that goes back to the heart by the veins. In fact, this movement enables the blood to be re-oxygenated. For that reason, an increased venous return provides more oxygen to be available for the muscles to use. When the muscles have more oxygen, they are fed with more energy, reducing the tightness they may be feeling in their muscles. 

This is where compression socks come in handy. They apply pressure to the veins which increases the blood circulation while at the same time improving the oxygenation of the muscles. In addition, these socks help protect against muscle vibrations, delayed soreness and fatigue athletes may feel in their muscles. The blood flow is very much stimulated when wearing compression socks after working out which additionally stimulates venous return and it eliminates any toxins in the blood.

Reduction of lactic acid in your muscles

When you train too hard, there is a chance of increased production of lactic acid in your muscles which can lead to soreness and pain. This lactic acid buildup isn’t considered a serious medical issue, but it can certainly cause discomfort and it can affect your future performance once your muscles have relaxed. 

While gradually increasing the intensity of your workout sessions as well as balancing different types of exercises can help reduce the production of lactic acid in your muscles, compression socks can help in the process as well. They are designed in such a way that they actually tighten the veins around your ankles, thus increasing the blood flow in your veins and decreasing the muscle soreness and pain. When the lactic acid is flushed out with increased circulation, the recovery time is faster. This additionally enhances the muscle function as they will have more oxygen available.    

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Speeding up the recovery time with compression

The muscles in your legs are most likely to suffer from swelling and bad circulation after heavy training due to gravity which brings the blood to the lower parts of your body and your heart working overtime. So, in order to reduce the inflammation, it is better to wear compression socks as they squeeze the veins in your feet and help the blood fight the effects of gravity. This way the painful swelling will be reduced and the blood circulation will be improved. 

Additionally, they will help recirculate the blood back to the heart for re-oxygenation while reducing potential cramps in your legs and feet. Another way compression socks help in the recovery process is by preventing muscle tear which often leads to strains or sprains in your shins. So, wearing them during training can certainly speed up the recovery process especially if you suffer from some muscle pain and injuries.

How to choose the right fit for you

Having the right fit will give you the results you are looking for. They should be long enough to cover your calf and shin ending below your knee joint. For getting the right measurements, it is advised that you do this when you wake up in the morning as your legs are well rested then. 

You can start by identifying the widest point of your calf circumference as well as your ankles. For the length of the socks, you can use the measurement of your shoe size. Also, there are other things you need to keep in mind when choosing your compression socks. For example, the level of compression of the socks must be regulated according to your needs so they aren’t too tight around your calves. Usually the most common choice of compression level for athletes is 20 mmHg as it is referred to as the optimal amount that is necessary for efficient recovery.

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Final thoughts

No matter if you are looking to improve blood circulation or reduce any painful swelling in your legs and feet, adding compression socks in your gear can certainly help you along the way. They come in many styles, designs and colors which not only will help you match your workout outfit, but they will also get you through your workouts with less pain and better endurance. So, don’t waste any more time and go get yourself a pair of the best compression socks so you can achieve new athletic goals.